Living in a nuclear Malayali family in Bengaluru, actor Sruthi Hariharan makes an effort to uphold their traditions, even if it means celebrating with just her husband, Raam Kumar, and daughter Janki. Growing up in Bengaluru, Sruthi recalls the annual Onam celebrations at the East Cultural Association as a cherished memory. She fondly remembers indulging in the traditional sadhya feast, with flavors that still linger on her palate. She expresses her love for dishes like payasam, aviyal, and sharkara upperi that are essential components of the Onam meal. Sruthi emphasizes the importance of sustainability, appreciating how aviyal was created to minimize food wastage.

For Sruthi, Onam holds special significance since her marriage to Raam. They now mark the occasion with a pookalam at home, prepare a sadhya, and visit a temple together, irrespective of family circumstances. Sruthi and Raam are committed to passing down their cultural heritage to their daughter, Janki, who eagerly participates in the festivities by assisting with the pookalam and learning aspects of Kaikottikali. Despite the challenge of being a nuclear family in an urban setting, they strive to instill cultural values in their daughter.Sruthi explains that it is essential to uphold their traditions and culture for their daughter, Janki. They aim to introduce her to their heritage while leaving the decision of continuing these traditions up to her in the future. Despite living away from Kerala, Sruthi emphasizes the importance of Janki staying connected to their roots. She believes that participating in their traditions is significant, but ultimately it will be Janki's choice whether she wishes to carry them forward. Cooking a traditional meal, such as a sadhya for Onam, holds sentimental value for Sruthi as it symbolizes creating a special meal to be shared with loved ones, capturing the true essence of the festival.